First Day Cover Hôtel des Invalides Paris 1966 Stamp 0.40F philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Philatelic envelope known as a "first day of issue" cover, illustrated with a French commemorative stamp of 0.40 francs depicting the Hôtel national des Invalides in Paris, identifiable by the inscription "DÉPARTEMENT DE L'HOTEL NATIONAL DES INVALIDES" on the stamp. The round postmark is dated 15-6-1966 in Paris, which identifies it as a first-day mailing, a common practice in French philately to mark the official release of a stamp. The inscription "Premier jour d'émission" (First day of issue) is affixed in the upper left, in red ink, within a rectangular frame.

The stamp's visual features a detailed architectural illustration of the dome of Les Invalides, with dominant blue and orange-brown colors, enhanced by a black border. The cancellation bears the inscription "ARMÉE" (ARMY) and "TOMBEAU DE NAPOLÉON" (TOMB OF NAPOLEON), confirming its association with the Hôtel des Invalides, an emblematic site of French military history and the tomb of Napoleon I. The visible part of the envelope shows white paper with a slight grain, inserted into a transparent protective plastic sleeve.

In the lower right corner is the printed inscription "SCOTEM, 11 rue Neuve Popincourt, 75011 PARIS," indicating the manufacturer or distributor of this philatelic envelope, as well as a handwritten label "6F". No other decorative elements are visible on the exposed part of the envelope. The back is not visible in the photo.

Condition

The envelope appears in good used condition, with no prominent creases or noticeable stains on the visible side. The stamp is intact, the postmark legible, and the inscriptions clear. The entire item is protected in a plastic sleeve, ensuring its preservation.

Did you know? The Hôtel national des Invalides, completed in 1676 under Louis XIV, now houses several military museums and the tomb of Napoleon I, transferred in 1840. "First day" envelopes are highly valued in philately as they officially commemorate the release of a new stamp.

AFW Reassurance

Your envelope will be carefully packaged and promptly shipped by a professional seller specializing in philatelic and historical items.

Keywords: first day cover, FDC France, Hôtel des Invalides, commemorative stamp, Paris 1966, French philately, special cancellation, Napoleon's tomb, philatelic envelope, French cover, first day cover, France stamp issue